Season 2, Episode 14: Daryna Skybina on Karma and Trauma Informed Care

The Mad and Crip Theology Podcast

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On this episode, Amy and Miriam speak with Daryna Skybina about her paper published in the Fall 2022 issue of The Canadian Journal of Theology, Mental Health, and Disability: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Discussing Karma in Buddhism. You can find more about Daryna's psychotherapy practice at www.darynaskybina.com or via Instagram @darynaskybinapsychotherapy Read the full paper here: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cjtmhd/article/view/39547
For closed captions, watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dp3lLsFWQTQ
Here's an abstract: In recent years there has been a rise of individuals from Western cultures turning to Eastern spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, for mental health support. Given the prevalence of trauma, it would be helpful for these communities to discuss spiritual teachings in a trauma-informed manner. Some teachings, including the teaching of karma, have at times been taught through a lens that stigmatizes trauma survivors. Karma is a complex topic, yet a crucial element of Buddhist ethics and morality. This paper is a preliminary theoretical exploration of how the teaching of karma in Buddhism can be examined in a manner that considers the complexity of trauma. It also discusses how a care provider can turn to the Buddhist teaching of skillful compassion to help them better practice trauma-informed care.
Some resources Daryna recommends:
Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation Through Anger by Lama Rod Owens https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/608716/love-and-rage-by-lama-rod-owens/
When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/96404/when-bad-things-happen-to-good-people-by-harold-s-kushner/9781400034727

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